Flexibility is the name of the game
One of the joys of being in university is having time to broaden your horizons, discover new interests, and get involved in a range of extracurricular activities. Liberal Studies gives you that freedom.
Commonly called a liberal arts degree at other universities, Liberal Studies allows you to explore many different subjects in the humanities, social sciences, languages and cultures, and fine and performing arts — plus courses you’d like to take from some of Waterloo's other faculties.
You can add focus to your degree with a minor or minors, or keep it completely general. (And if you do fall passionately in love with a subject along the way, you can switch into a major at any point.) An academic advisor can help you plan your degree and choose courses.
You can also enrich your learning through Waterloo’s EDGE (experiential education) certificate or by studying Liberal Studies as part of the Honours Arts and Business degree.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
100+ subject areas. With more than 100 different subject areas at Waterloo, you have plenty of choice! (You can even complete your degree entirely online.)
Transfer students welcome. Liberal Studies allows you to complete up to half of your courses in other programs or by transfer credit from past studies.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- Research assistant
- Cultural program coordinator
- Digital media intern
- Policy analyst
- Administrative assistant
- Communications specialist
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
If you choose to do Liberal Studies through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
or after second year (which can be May to August 2027), if you choose Honours Arts
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
Admissions
Apply to Honours Arts or Honour Arts and Business and choose Liberal Studies as your major at the end of first year.
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
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